Page 114 of Goaltender Interference

“Okay.” Connor sighed and Jesse realized exactly how tense he’d been as the pent-up energy finally flowed out of him, softening his muscles and slowing his breathing.

“Now, let’s get some sleep,” Jesse said. He settled in close to Connor, who dragged an arm around him and kissed his hair.

“Sleep is good,” Connor agreed.

With a soft laugh, Jesse closed his eyes and let himself drift off.

In the morning, Jesse had to sneak out of Connor’s bedroom before the girls were up, but thankfully, Connor seemed a lot more relaxed. Maura seemed better too and when the girls were finally off with their grandmother—Nolan having left earlier for practice—Connor collapsed on the couch and dragged Jesse onto his lap.

“We should head to HCI,” he said with a yawn, but he only pulled Jesse closer with one arm while he reached for his phone with the other.

“We should,” Jesse agreed, but he was equally reluctant to get up. Connor’s body was warm, his thighs so solid under Jesse’s weight.

Jesse let his head tip to the side and he settled it on Connor’s shoulder, feeling content. Connor absently turned to kiss his forehead, then returned his attention to his phone. Jesse let himself drift, still a little tired from the interrupted sleep the night before.

“Oh shit,” Connor muttered after a while and Jesse cracked one eye open.

“What is it?”

“I forgot to tell you about my meeting with Gavin.”

“Shit.” Jesse sat upright. “Did something happen?”

“Not during our talk. That went fine. But after … Did you know Gavin has a twin brother named Thad?”

“No,” Jesse said, confused. “I had no idea. How’d you find out?”

“Well, he was waiting for Gavin outside his office when we were done.”

Jesse listened intently while Connor went on to describe the interaction between the brothers. “Wild,” he said when Connor had finished.

“Right? Very strange.”

“I’m so curious to know more,” Jesse admitted.

“I knew you would be.”

“I had no ideayouwere a gossip though.”

“I’m not a gossip!” Connor protested, looking completely put out by the idea.

Jesse threw his head back and laughed. “Yeah, right.”

“I’m—I’m …” Connor’s shoulders slumped. “Fine, I’m kind of a gossip. But just with you! I wasn’t gonna go tell anyone else.”

“Aww, that makes me feel so special,” Jesse cooed.

Connor shot him a disgruntled look. “You’re special alright.”

“Hey, c’mon, google Thad’s name,” Jesse urged, poking him in the side. “There must besomething.”

“Already done.” Connor flashed the phone screen. “Why do you act like I don’t know how to use my phone?”

“Because you’re old,” Jesse teased.

“I am not!” Connor protested. “I don’t even have any gray hair yet!”

“Suuure. I saw that Just for Men dye in your vanity cabinet.” He poked at Connor’s hairline which was neither graying, nor receding.

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